Malang – Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University (UIN) Malang will soon hold their first international student exchange program, I-SHIP (International Students Health-related Inbound Program) this coming November.

I-SHIP is a student exchange program in the health sector involving international students from various countries. The program was initiated by the Vice Dean 3 of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UIN Malang (FKIK UINMA), to support the university's vision.

This year's I-SHIP event will be organized by the Faculty of Medicine and Medicine, State Islamic University of Malang (FKIK UIN Malang), in collaboration with all Student Organizations (ORMAWA) of the Faculty, and the Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA), one of its internationally affiliated organizations. This collaboration is expected to attract international students who do not have a medical background. The invited students will be provided with one of the following materials: Basic Life Support. Planned activities include health seminars, cultural exchanges, visits to community health centers, and social activities.

According to Yossi Indra Kusuma, S.Ked., M.Med., Ed., the supervisor of this year's I-SHIP program, preparations are already underway. "God willing, preparations are on track," he said. He hopes this year's I-SHIP will set a historic record and set a standard for implementation in future years.

Meanwhile, Zidan, the head of the organizing committee, is also optimistic that I-SHIP will provide numerous benefits. "I am very optimistic and full of hope that I-SHIP will not only provide a unique experience for the delegates, but also have a positive impact on the organizing committee," he said.

Zidan hopes this event will promote FKIK UIN Malang on the international stage. He also wants delegates to not only experience cultural exchange but also learn new things through health seminars and field trips.

“"We're presenting various activities from a broader perspective. Hopefully, this will increase our understanding of people and foster greater sympathy and empathy," Zidan added.

However, Zidan acknowledged that preparing for I-SHIP was not easy. However, he is confident that solid collaboration can create a new culture at FKIK UIN Malang in the future.

With the various activities and cross-cultural collaborations offered, the success of I-SHIP is expected to trigger the creation of similar programs in the future, so that FKIK UIN Malang can become increasingly well-known at the national and international levels.

Contributors: Ahmad Taufiqurrohman (PSPD 20) & Rara Belinda (Pharmacy 21)